Doha: Rouda Al Attiya, a member of Qatar Foundation’s Communications team, shared how sports profoundly impacted her personal development and strengthened her sense of Qatari identity. She recounted that her passion for sports started amidst the intense heat of Ras Laffan. Al Attiya reflected on her journey from playing on the makeshift pitches in her grandmother’s yard to the alleys of Alsadd, where sports became her realm, sanctuary, and as the stage, Al Attiya said, “The world has seen Qatar transform, a metamorphosis guided by the vision of a nation that strives for excellence on every front.
As the World Cup 2022 drew to a close, I still find myself reminiscing about my dreams when I too believed I was destined for football greatness back when I was 12. Qatar, in its bold strides, now places females at the forefront of sports—a testament to a journey.” She described her journey as starting not in grand arenas but in a more modest setting, amidst the laughter and shouts in her grandparents’ house.
These early experiences were foundational, but it was at Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Academy school where her street-style skills, developed under her brother Nasser’s guidance, were put to use in formal competitions. She noted that her brother’s memory continues to inspire and influence her sporting journey. “Yet, beyond the accolades and triumphs, it’s the companionship that lingers—the bonds forged with my team which evolved into lifelong friendships and .